PRESS STATEMENT ON MINIMUM WAGES FOR DOMESTIC AND AGRICULTURAL WORKERS
Government introduces minimum wages for domestic and agricultural employees
Domestic workers are one of the most vulnerable sections of the labour force in Botswana with low pay, poor working conditions and long working hours.
Legislative provisions concerning recognised paid public holidays do not treat workers in a uniform manner. Domestic workers are currently only entitled to four (4) paid public holidays a year. These are New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Botswana Day and Christmas Day. Other workers are entitled to eight (8) paid public holidays.
DITSHWANELO - The Botswana Centre for Human Rights welcomes the new Revised National Policy on Incomes, Employment, Prices and Profits (2005) which was approved by Parliament in April 2007. It introduced minimum wages for workers in the Agricultural and Domestic Sectors. It took effect on 1 April 2008 as follows:
Agriculture: P408.00 a month at P1.70 per hour
Domestic work: P504.00 a month at P2.10 per hour
Although the minimum wages still fall far below reasonable wages which are in line with the current cost of living (to meet basic needs), we recognise that the Government of Botswana has seen it fit to introduce them. The express provision for overtime payment for domestic workers is appreciated. However, the long hours of work (ten (10) hours a day) are still an issue of concern. The Employment Act provides for eight (8) working hours a day for other categories of workers.DITSHWANELO - The Botswana Centre for Human Rights calls upon the Government of Botswana to enact policies and legislative measures which are aimed at the eradication of poor working conditions for domestic and agricultural employees.
Gaborone
4 April 2008
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